On December 9, Hall C2, known as the “cathedral” of bold ideas at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, came alive with the electrifying Grand Finale of Green Innovation 2025. More than a competition, the event stood as a powerful testament to the capabilities of Vietnamese intellect in the digital era, where technological “seeds” are nurtured to tackle humanity’s most critical challenge: sustainable development and the Net Zero commitment.

A Breakthrough Milestone for a National “Green Intelligence” Platform

The year 2025 marks a significant milestone in the student research movement at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, as Green Innovation 2025 made its debut and immediately generated remarkable momentum.

From an initial pool of 66 bold ideas representing over 20 universities across Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam, the competition evolved into a highly competitive yet inspiring academic arena. To reach the final stage, teams underwent three rigorous rounds, including intensive training sessions led by more than 20 leading experts.

The presence of the Top 5 finalists, three teams from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, one from National University of Civil Engineering, and one from Can Tho University, demonstrated the competition’s nationwide reach: no boundaries, no distance, only a shared mission to serve society through technology.

The Agrivision and Smart-Maint teams during the debate round

Strategic Vision: Bridging Academia and Industry

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Huỳnh Đăng Chính, Vice President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, emphasized the institution’s pioneering role:

“We are not merely organizing a competition, we are building an ecosystem. Green Innovation connects academia, industry, and experts into a unified platform. Today’s solutions prove that Vietnamese students are not only strong in theory but fully capable of developing core technologies to address urgent environmental challenges.”

Assoc. Prof. Huynh Dang Chinh – Vice President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, delivered remarks at the event.

This vision was reinforced by the strategic partnership with the “For Green Future” Foundation, an initiative of Vingroup. Beyond financial support, the Foundation actively contributed to mentoring and refining projects by engaging top experts in the judging panel.

Dr. Le Thai Ha – Managing Director of the VinFuture Foundation and the “For Green Future” Foundation under Vingroup, delivered remarks at the event.

A Showcase of Breakthrough Technologies

The finale unfolded as a vibrant showcase of cutting-edge innovation, where artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and circular economy solutions took center stage. The five finalist teams delivered compelling presentations and intense debates, impressing even the most demanding judges.

The judging panel of the Green Innovation 2025 competition

Emerging as the Champion, Smart-Maint secured first place with its project on distributed AI for real-time monitoring and anomaly detection in solar energy systems, a solution recognized for its global potential in optimizing renewable energy.

The Runner-up, CFIM, impressed with its impactful solution on fire prevention using industrial waste, turning waste into a resource for human safety.

The Second Runner-up, EcoWeavers, captivated the audience with sugarcane leaves transformed into sustainable fashion materials, opening new pathways for green materials innovation.

Two Consolation Prizes were awarded to:

Agrivision – an AI-powered smart agriculture management solution
LiHo Hair – a project optimizing fiber extraction from snake plants to produce sustainable wig materials

Both projects stood out for their creativity and practical applicability.

Closing One Chapter, Opening a New Era

While the Grand Finale of Green Innovation 2025 has concluded, its impact will continue to resonate. This is not an endpoint but the beginning of a longer journey. As committed by the organizers, finalist teams will continue receiving support to refine their products, connect with investors, and bring their innovations to real-world implementation.

The success of this inaugural season reaffirms that Hanoi University of Science and Technology is not only a leading engineering institution but also a hub of innovation, igniting passion for science and technology while contributing to a strong and sustainable Vietnam.

The journey of nurturing technological talent has only just begun, and there is every reason to believe in a generation that is bold, intelligent, and ready to shape the future.